Porter’s bullpen move backfires on Astros in loss to Rays

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – With multiple relievers available and the Astros’ bullpen rested after rookie Jarred Cosart’s eight-plus inning MLB debut Friday, manager Bo Porter opted against using his standard arms and instead called upon former starter Lucas Harrell during a game-changing sixth inning Saturday against Tampa Bay.

A left-field single, stolen base and right-field single followed. The latter put the Astros away. Luke Scott’s third RBI of the day drove in rookie Wil Myers for the go-ahead run, and the Astros watched a strong 3-0 lead through 5 ½ innings disappear into a 4-3 defeat at Tropicana Field.

It was the Astros’ 60th loss this season. A club with just 33 wins before the All-Star break must go 30-39 the remainder of the year to avoid its third consecutive 100-loss campaign.

Astros lefthanded starter Dallas Keuchel didn’t allow a run through four innings. A three-run Rays (54-41) fifth followed. After Ben Zobrist grounded out to lead off the sixth, Porter pulled Keuchel, who was at 80 pitches (52 strikes).

“I would have liked to have (stayed in). That’s just my mentality,” said Keuchel, who gave up six hits while striking out three and walking one in 5 1/3 innings. “I thought I deserved it. But it’s his decision, so it just is what it is.”

The Astros never regained control. After scoring three runs in the first frame against Tampa Bay righthander Roberto Hernandez – including a two-run home run pulled to right field by Brett Wallace – the Astros failed to score the final eight innings and struck out twice in the ninth against Rays closer Fernando Rodney.

It was the Astros’ second one-run loss during their last three games where a starter was pulled and the bullpen was unable to hold a lead. St. Louis’ Matt Carpenter hit a go-ahead two-run homer off Wesley Wright in the seventh inning Wednesday, guiding the Cardinals to a 5-4 victory.

Porter exchanged Keuchel for Harrell on Saturday because the Rays were taking better at-bats as the innings mounted and the Astros want to keep Harrell built up in case he’s moved back into the starting rotation.

“I saw that as an opportunity for him to not only get in the game at a good point of their lineup … but also an opportunity to give us extended innings the rest of the game,” Porter said.

Harrell has allowed six hits, three runs and four walks in 4 2/3 innings during two outings since being moved to the bullpen. Saturday, he threw 47 pitches for just 22 strikes in 1 2/3.

“When you’re called on, you’ve got to go up there and get people out. It doesn’t matter what situation it is,” Harrell said.

Brett Wallace is congratulated after his first inning two run home run.

Brett Wallace is congratulated after his first inning two run home run.

Photo: J. Meric / Getty Images

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Roberto Hernandez pitches against the Astros.

Roberto Hernandez pitches against the Astros.

Photo: J. Meric / Getty Images

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James Loney takes the throw at first to get the out on J.D. Martinez.

James Loney takes the throw at first to get the out on J.D. Martinez.

Photo: J. Meric / Getty Images

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Jake Elmore throws over to first for an out.

Jake Elmore throws over to first for an out.

Photo: J. Meric / Getty Images

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Justin Maxwell is safe at second after his double.

Justin Maxwell is safe at second after his double.

Photo: J. Meric / Getty Images

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Desmond Jennings squeezes home the tying run in the fifth inning.

Desmond Jennings squeezes home the tying run in the fifth inning.

Photo: J. Meric / Getty Images

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Yunel Escobar celebrates his fifth-inning double.

Yunel Escobar celebrates his fifth-inning double.

Photo: J. Meric / Getty Images

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Yunel Escobar scores the tying run in the fifth inning.

Yunel Escobar scores the tying run in the fifth inning.

Photo: J. Meric / Getty Images

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Brett Wallace rounds the bases after hitting a home run.

Brett Wallace rounds the bases after hitting a home run.

Photo: Scott Iskowitz / Associated Press

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Luke Scott celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run.

Luke Scott celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run.

Photo: Scott Iskowitz / Associated Press

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Jake Elmore turns a double play.

Jake Elmore turns a double play.

Photo: Scott Iskowitz / Associated Press

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James Loney catches a fly ball hit by Matt Dominguez.

James Loney catches a fly ball hit by Matt Dominguez.

Photo: Scott Iskowitz / Associated Press

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Jose Altuve is tagged out by James Loney while diving back to first base.

Jose Altuve is tagged out by James Loney while diving back to first base.

Photo: Scott Iskowitz / Associated Press

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Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar is unable to field the ball as Justin Maxwell slides safely into second.

Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar is unable to field the ball as Justin Maxwell slides safely into second.

Photo: Scott Iskowitz / Associated Press

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<center><strong>July 12: Astros 2, Rays 1</center></strong><br>Astros starting pitcher Jarred Cosart is doused with water by teammates Brandon Barnes, left, and J.D. Martinez during a TV interview following his win in his major league debut. less

<center><strong>July 12: Astros 2, Rays 1</center></strong><br>Astros starting pitcher Jarred Cosart is doused with water by teammates Brandon Barnes, left, and J.D. Martinez during a TV interview following ... more

Photo: Mike Carlson / Associated Press

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Astros starting pitcher Jarred Cosart is congratulated by teammates after his Major League debut.

Astros starting pitcher Jarred Cosart is congratulated by teammates after his Major League debut.

Photo: MIKE CARLSON / Associated Press

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Astros starting pitcher Jarred Cosart throws during the first inning of his major-league debut.

Astros starting pitcher Jarred Cosart throws during the first inning of his major-league debut.